Course Assignments and Weight

**For more information on all course assignments, look in the Unit Assignments & Exams folders in Blackboard (there is one for each unit).**

1. Self-Assessment and Reflection Assignments (100 points): Students are required to successfully complete four (4) Self-Assessment and Reflection assignments to heighten their awareness of their interpersonal communication skills.  

• Reflections are one-page (double-spaced) (600+ words), written assignments  
• Submissions must follow the written assignment guidelines below 
• Reflection assignments are worth 25 points each
• Reflection assignment themes include: Self-Concept and Self-Disclosure; Listening Styles and Habits; Emotional Intelligence; Relationship Maintenance 

1. Analysis of Interpersonal Communication Principles and Theory Papers (200 points): Students are required to successfully complete two (2) written analyses of communication theory and principles. 
   • Analyses are three-page (double-spaced), written assignments
   • Submissions must follow the written assignment guidelines below 
   • Media Analysis Paper (100 points) 
   • Personal Analysis Relationship Paper (100 points) 

1. Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal Communication Skills (300 points): Students are required to successfully complete three (3) Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal Communication Skills.  
   • These oral demonstrations will be face-to-face. 
   • The oral assessments will be conducted in groups or pairs and be about three (3) minutes in length. 
   • Oral demonstration themes include: Active listening; Perception-checking skills; Conflict management and problem-solving

1. Exams (200 points): Students are required to successfully complete two (2) exams in this course. 

• There will be two exams in this course spread throughout the semester (see Course Schedule for dates and content). Exams will consist of 25 multiple choice or true / false questions. Exams will be taken in-class via Blackboard (unless otherwise stated). Exams will be based on a combination of lecture and textbook material. To do well on exams be sure to follow the course reading schedule, attend class, engage in class, and come prepared for the exam review session. The exam review session will always take place during the class meeting directly preceding the exam. The exam is open note but NOT open book or open friend. This means it is your responsibility to take thorough notes on your reading and class lectures. Exams should be taken on your own, even if they are taken from home. If you require testing accommodations please let me know prior to exam day. Study guides will be provided for each chapter and will pertain directly to the exam material. 

1. Communication Exploration Journal (100 pts. Total): Students will maintain a weekly journal on Blackboard (journal links can be found in the week they are assigned), documenting their interpersonal communication experiences and analyzing their competence using the criteria learned throughout the semester. Each entry must: (1) describe a specific dyadic interaction (face-to-face or mediated), (2) assess their communication choices using competence criteria, (3) identify specific verbal and nonverbal messages used, (4) reflect on alternative strategies that could have been more appropriate or effective, (5) connect to at least one course concept.

1. Participation (100 pts. Total): Participation will be evaluated based on the following: 
   • Attendance and tardiness 
   • Respect and decorum in class (including using technology outside of its allowed usage) 
   • In-class projects, notes, and activity submissions
   • Frequency of participation during class (answering questions and contributing to discussion in a positive and respectful manner) 

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT

All major assignments in this class must be typed and submitted in either a Word document (.docx) or a PDF. Assignments submitted as plain text, Google doc link, Pages, etc. will not be accepted and will receive a zero. All written assignments must be:

• Typed using a one-inch margin (1.25 inches is also acceptable because it is the default setting)
• Typed using a 12-point, non-script font (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma)
  • Note cards can be handwritten
• Double-spaced (except for formal speech preparation outlines, which should be single spaced)

*Assignments that do not conform to these expectations will not be accepted. See “Writing Guidelines” on Blackboard for more information on and examples of acceptable written assignment formatting. 

Assignment Points Tracking Table

Course Calendar

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Course Calendar

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the characteristics of competent communication in dyadic interactions 
• Demonstrate the ability to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal strategies used in various interpersonal situations, including mediated and face to face interactions.  
• Demonstrate skill in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs 
• Differentiate between theories that explain interpersonal interaction 
• Recognize the ethical dimensions of interpersonal communication 
• Recall how perception affects communication and the importance of perception-checking 
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal messages in interpersonal interactions 
• Evaluate listening habits and demonstrate effective listening skills 
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal conflict management principles 
• Recognize communication differences between individuals in cultures that affect interpersonal interactions and recall strategies for adapting to cultural differences 
• Recall the nature and role of emotions in interpersonal interaction and competent strategies for expressing emotions 
• Identify distinguishing characteristics of interpersonal relationships including family, friendship, romantic, and work 
• Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and/or written assignments.